A key figure in the English River First Nation community, as well as the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) as a whole has passed away. MLTC Dene vice-chief Lawrence McIntyre died Friday (Aug. 30) following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68.
“Vice-chief Lawrence McIntyre, who we all knew as Labada, was a very community minded person,” remarked Mr. McIntyre’s friend and colleague Richard Derocher, who currently serves as MLTC Cree vice-chief. “He was very supportive of events like this – if he could, he would be here.” Derocher spoke with Northern Pride Friday afternoon from Flying Dust First Nation where, at the community’s outdoor stage a gathering was being held in memory of the late Charlene Aubichon, a FDFN member who was killed in a murder-suicide in the summer of 2021.
“Lawrence would have been here for this walk in memory of Charlene and against domestic violence,” Derocher continued. “He would definitely be here. He was strong-willed. He fought cancer for the last four years of his life, and was a very strong individual – both spiritually and mentally. He will be greatly missed by his community – English River First Nation – which he loved immensely, but also by the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, all the people he coached over the years and all the people who were a part of his life. He is fondly remembered by all of them on this day.” Mr. McIntyre – who served as ERFN chief from 2015-2019 – was elected as MLTC Dene vice-chief in 2020. He was acclaimed to a second term in 2023. Prior to this, he also served as an ERFN band councillor in the 1980s, and had nearly 20 years of experience as a band manager. Mr. McIntyre also worked in economic development and with MLTC for about seven years in the areas of business development, youth development and training.
Meanwhile, Durocher went on to say his cell phone received non-stop notifications throughout Friday with messages from countless people expressing their condolences. “People know, of course, Labada and I were close friends,” Derocher added. “He will be missed. His strength, I hope, carries on in his family. He was a mentor of mine. He taught me many things, especially to slow down. I like to do things fast, I like to get them done, and he would always tell me to slow down. I will miss him, as well his home community, MLTC, the sporting community – boy did he really know his stats when it came to sports. With that, I thank everybody who has sent condolences to MLTC, to me, to his family and to the leadership of MLTC.”
Among those to express condolences was Marian Mitsuing of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation who turned to social media to share her thoughts. “I remember Lawrence McIntyre advocating our youth and families in sports, recreation and culture,” Mitsuing noted “We lost a good man. He was a man of integrity and he spoke well of others, especially youth. He believed in our Indigenous youth that they can achieve their goals and dreams.”
Former MLTC chief Richard Ben also shared his thoughts via Facebook. “Hard to believe my good friend vice-chief Lawrence McIntyre has entered the spirit world,” Ben stated. “He was a good father, coach, mentor, leader, and great friend. I’ve learned so much from him since I was a kid to being in leadership. Will miss you, Labada, and everyone will too.”
In addition to his home community of ERFN and the MLTC as a whole, Mr. McIntyre was also well respected throughout the greater Meadow Lake area and beyond. When contacted by Northern Pride, Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Gary Vidal said he was very sad to hear of the passing of the vice-chief. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Vidal said. “He was truly a great example of what a leader should be. He will be missed.” These sentiments were echoed by Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison. “On behalf of myself and the Government of Saskatchewan, I express my sincere condolences to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and the friends and family of vice-chief McIntyre,” Harrison told Northern Pride. “I greatly appreciated working with the vice-chief over many years and will deeply miss his remarkable commitment and leadership.”
Also saddened by the news of Mr. McIntyre’s passing was Meadow Lake mayor Merlin Seymour. “I am sorry to hear of Lawrence’s passing,” Seymour said. “I did have the opportunity to visit with the vice-chief on many occasions. He was always full of positive comments and shared many stories of his school days at Carpenter High School.”
As for what happens next at the MLTC level, Derocher said that will be determined in good time. Vice-chief McIntyre is survived by his wife, Celina, and children: Jeff (Jenn), Sheena, Nevin (Jamie), Ethan and Jon (Doree). Mr. McIntyre was also a proud grandfather to Kenzie, Isaiah, Brynn, Bree, Layke, Joseph, Kobe, Shenita, Mathias, Lincoln, Nevin Jr. and Adelaide.